For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 416 students in Mellette County, SD.
The top-ranked public schools in Mellette County, SD are Norris Elementary - 08, White River High School - 01 and White River Middle School - 04. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mellette County, SD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the South Dakota public school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 51% statewide average). Schools in Mellette County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Dakota public schools.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public school average of 33% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Mellette County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Norris Elementary - 08
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
331 School Loop
White River, SD 57579
(605) 462-6455
White River, SD 57579
(605) 462-6455
Gr: K-5 | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: #22.
White River High School - 01
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
501 E 3rd St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3136
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3136
Gr: 9-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #33.
White River Middle School - 04
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
501 E 3rd St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3135
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3135
Gr: 6-8 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #44.
White River Elementary - 02
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
501 E 3rd St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
Gr: PK-5 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Mellette County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
S 2nd And Brock St
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
White River, SD 57579
(605) 259-3137
Gr: K-5 | 3 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
White River Alternative High School - 09 (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
501 East 3rd St
Norris, SD 57560
(605) 259-3135
Norris, SD 57560
(605) 259-3135
Gr: 9-12
114 S. Dakota St.
Wood, SD 57585
(605) 452-3251
Wood, SD 57585
(605) 452-3251
Gr: PK-8 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Mellette County, SD?
The top-ranked public schools in Mellette County, SD include Norris Elementary - 08, White River High School - 01 and White River Middle School - 04.
How many public schools are located in Mellette County?
4 public schools are located in Mellette County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mellette County?
Mellette County public schools minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the South Dakota public schools average of 33% (majority American Indian).
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